Work with us as an intern at The News & Observer in Summer 2026. How to apply
Update: The deadline has been extended to Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m.
The application period for The News & Observer 2026 Summer Internship program is now open.
We’re looking for promising young journalists who can bring energy, ideas and talent to our newsroom in Raleigh — North Carolina’s capital city.
Our paid interns are an integral part of our news operations. You’ll be treated like one of our full-time staff members by working with your editor and mentors to develop ideas, write stories, take photos and videos, and gain valuable experience to help you grow as a journalist.
You’ll make invaluable connections in our supportive newsroom as you pursue your journalism career.
The News & Observer was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for Breaking News in 2025 for our coverage of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath in Western North Carolina.
About the internship
- Internships are paid full-time for 10 weeks and typically start at the end of May or beginning of June.
- Internships are in-person and are based in the Raleigh area.
- Interns will participate in regular training sessions through the company and on-site at The N&O.
- We are looking for the best candidates to work as reporters, visual journalists and online producers. In the past this has included assignments in metro, politics, sports, business, features, photography/video and our audience growth team. Please let us know your assignment preference as well as any specialized expertise, such as data reporting or audience/growth development.
Our internships are competitive. Not only are we looking for emerging journalists who can bring something special to The N&O this summer, we’re seeking those who may become our future colleagues. We’re proud that our interns have been hired as full-time journalists with The N&O or have gone on to work at other McClatchy publications.
Qualifications & Eligibility
- The internship is open to rising/current sophomores, juniors and seniors and graduating seniors. Interns must currently be enrolled in a four-year degree program, graduate program or have recently graduated.
- Experience working at a college publication, either print or online, is preferred.
- A previous internship or freelance experience at a daily newspaper or professional news organization is a plus.
- Bilingual skills are a bonus.
- A driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.
Where is the internship?
The Triangle, comprised of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, is among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. The area is home to major universities, the state’s legislature and numerous corporate headquarters and fast-growing startups.
Our journalists work in communities with vibrant choices for restaurant-lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and arts and music fans. We’re two hours from the beach and three hours from the mountains.
We can suggest local housing options.
What is The News & Observer application deadline?
- The deadline is Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and before the deadline. Applications will be screened and interviewed on a rolling basis.
What should I include in the application?
Candidates must apply through McClatchy’s online application portal at mcclatchy.com/careers. Here is the link for The N&O.
Please include:
- A one-page cover letter that summarizes what you would bring as a journalist to our newsroom.
- A resume that includes links to your public social media accounts (X, Instagram, TikTok).
- Links or PDFs of your work samples, or if available, a personal website or portfolio.
- At least two references. (Names and their contact information may be included on your resume or with your cover letter).
More information
Contact Jessica Banov, internship coordinator at The News & Observer, at jbanov@newsobserver.com.
To learn more about the internship program and apply for an internship at one McClatchy’s other 29 newsrooms, go to https://mcc.beginyourascent.com/summerintern/.
What past interns say
- “One, journalism is where I need to be. The work is important and it pushes me to become a better writer. I have never been more inspired or satisfied in my day-to-day work than this internship. Two, I have also learned that The News & Observer is a place I want in my future. The opportunities and storylines in this area are unlike any other, the staff here is incredible and inspiring, and I have been fulfilled by the work I did here — to a different degree than any other place I have worked at.”
- “While I learned a lot this summer about the types of assignments I enjoy covering I think the most important thing I learned is about the type of people I want to work with. The commitment, dedication and talent of the team I worked with was something I was grateful everyday to be surrounded by.”
- “I liked that I was treated just like any other reporter. I’ve heard horror stories of other interns in other newsrooms kind of not getting any opportunities for some of the more exciting and high-level stories.”
- “During my time here I learned that I am capable of being a journalist in a top newsroom. I learned how to balance multiple assignments at once and how to work through pressure or feelings of stress. I also learned that I love local journalism, as I had never worked at a large, daily paper like the N&O, before. My internship solidified my desire to be a journalist and work in a newsroom and I greatly appreciate the opportunity.”
- “I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses during this internship. I also discovered an interest in business journalism that I didn’t know existed. I learned that I can indeed live in a strange city and meet new people and work a new job and enjoy myself while doing it. That’s a pretty powerful lesson that I think will open up a lot of doors for me, even if only mentally.”
This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 2:34 PM.